I have a Yaesu FTM-350 I'm planning to install in my Sorento. After looking through catalogs I thought I'd found an acceptable mount / antenna combination in the Diamond K400SNMO and NR72BNMO. When I got down to trying to attach the mount to the hatch however, it quickly became clear to me that it was not going to work. With so many Sorentos on the road, someone must have solved this problem already.

My restrictions are as follows: No drilled holes, and no antennas so tall that the XYL has to lower it to go through a drive-thru. A luggage rack mount would be acceptable, but I've yet to find one that provides grounding. Any experience that can be shared would be greatly appreciated.

When I got down to trying to attach the mount to the hatch however, it quickly became clear to me that it was not going to work.

For those of us who don't own that Kia, what was the issue with the K400 mount?

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My restrictions are as follows: No drilled holes, and no antennas so tall that the XYL has to lower it to go through a drive-thru.

That antenna is only a bit more than a foot high. I doubt you're going to find anything smaller. What about mounting somewhere on the front fender? You might even be able to go with something a bit taller in that location.

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Any experience that can be shared would be greatly appreciated.

My experience involves drilling holes and disregarding the XYL when it comes to antenna issues, so can't help you there.

Your solution has three words in it; "magnetic mount antenna." Try the MFJ 1722/S for $14.95. We have used one on the wife's Mustang for over 5 years with great results. Small, stealthy, flexible and good performance. It has a very strong magnet for its size, so I put a layer of auto scuff tape on the bottom so it can be removed for washing.

Did you ever find a solution to your mount for the Kia? Have a 2011 myself, and am looking to put a simple external antenna on it for my 2m/440 HTs. Just something basic to hit my local repeaters, tune in NOAA WX radio, etc.

Thinking about a lip mount on the hood/back hatch. Don't want to drill, would rather not do a magnetic mount (had one on another car before, led to fading/circular patterns that I am not interested in). Interested to see what you came up with.

Did you ever find a solution to your mount for the Kia? Have a 2011 myself, and am looking to put a simple external antenna on it for my 2m/440 HTs.

Loyd, I got a 2013 Soul a few months ago. I don't use VHF/UHF much, but just so I had the capability, I put a lip-mount on the top of the rear passenger door, with a simple 2m/440 quarterwave on it, 3/8x24 mount. Seems to work fine. Email me off the group if you want me to send a photo. 73 GL! --ken

Hi Lyod from John currently in the Middle East ..have a 2011 Sorrento myself and just ordered up a new FT-8900 which I hope to install in my Sorrento once I get back home in 3 weeks. Would be interested to know where or how you ran your power leads from. I know that using the cigarette lighter socket is a No No unless for receiving only and I know that you can,t simply tap into the wiring loom. Is there any route through to the cabin via the bulkhead from the engine side - any info would be welcome ..best regards John

Did you ever find a solution to your mount for the Kia? Have a 2011 myself, and am looking to put a simple external antenna on it for my 2m/440 HTs. Just something basic to hit my local repeaters, tune in NOAA WX radio, etc.

Thinking about a lip mount on the hood/back hatch. Don't want to drill, would rather not do a magnetic mount (had one on another car before, led to fading/circular patterns that I am not interested in). Interested to see what you came up with.

sell the kia, get a ford F 150 crew cab and mount antennas all over the bed rails.

Seriously, I had to deal with KIA INC. for a warrenty problem several years ago on a kia spectra and in the end they did not fix it, and said in so many words to go pack sand. actually they said We have more money for better lawers so go ahead and sue us. Sold the car, and will never buy anything from kia again.

Why not try a lip mount? The one I have swivels so you can attach it to the back tailgate and turn it so the antenna is pointed up and when you open the talgate it doesn't hit the roof either. I was very limited installing mine to a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT which is a hatchback and had curves in the tailgate but still managed to install it and it works great.

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